Phoebe stopped thinking she was outclassed. What the heck, she thought, none of these people know how to sharpen a cross cut saw so we are all even. My good or bad name depends on what other people say about me. All these fine people think positive of me. Good Lord direct me in my dealings with these people.’
The crowd has very well dispersed and there was all of the Hazelton family plus the Arliss family and Phoebe still sitting in their chairs.
Grandpa said, “Trevor, what is the young lady’s name again?”
“Phoebe Croiner.”
“Phoebe,” grandpa said, “pull up your chair here besides grandma and me.”
Grandma said, “How old are you, dear?”
“I was nineteen last March.”
“Well, let me tell you something, Phoebe, when you sang ‘In the Long Long Ago’, it just tugged at our heartstrings. Never in Marie’s and my lifetime have we ever heard that sung so slow and sweet and with such nostalgia. It really was like an invisible angel singing in the horizon of a misty mountain dew. Tell me, Phoebe, have you ever thought of taking up singing as a career?”
“Well, yes, I have been keenly advised to do so. I have applied to the school of nursing in Kingston hoping that I might be accepted for training in the next semester. It is something I would like to do. Singing might be financially rewarding. Staying in hotels and singing at conventions, etc. where alcohol might be flowing like maple syrup, that has not my kettle fish. To me, money runs a very poor second. Mr. Hazleton, you can take the girl out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the girl.”
Steven Arliss said, “By the way, Phoebe, that little impromptu step dance you did for us, is that one of your talents?”
“Well, Mr. Arliss, we have a pipe band down our way and we have a Scotch dance practice. We do kick up our heels once in a while. Sometimes it’s just like a ball. Most of us have our own uniforms. It can be colorful and very entertaining. Like I say, you don’t have to be a millionaire down our way to have fun.”
Steven Arliss suggested that they all go out somewhere and have a lunch.
Phoebe said, “I’m sorry but I couldn’t go. It is already eleven fifteen. Mrs. Forster will be worried and concerned.”
Trevor suggested that he and Phoebe go and phone Mrs. Forester. Phoebe said that was a good suggestion.
“I would really love to finish the rest of the evening with you all.”
In fact, that was the wish of all the party. They all enjoyed Phoebe’s approach to life. Trevor called Mrs. Forester and assured her that Phoebe was fine and they were enjoying her company.
“There are my grandparents, my parents and Joanne’s parents. We planned on going out for a light lunch. It will be a little late but this is Joanne’s and my engagement party,.”
“Mrs. Forrester asked if she could speak to Phoebe.”
“Mrs. Forster, here she is.”
“Phoebe, what do you say?”
“Mrs. Forrester, they have all treated me royally here. I know that I’m not always up as late as this but it is Trevor’s and Joanne’s engagement party and I would like to finish the evening with them.”
“Yes, Phoebe, that would be the proper thing to do so long as I know what kind of company you’re with. Go and enjoy yourself, hon.”
Phoebe returned to the company.
“This is it embarrassing. I do hope that you people will understand. Like I say, it’s my first time I have been in Toronto and I think Mrs. Forster feels responsible for me.”
Trevor’s father said, “Yes, we do, Phoebe, I did like the lady for her interest in you.’
Trevor asked his grandfather and grandmother if they were up to it.
“Well, it’s only once-in-a-lifetime that fellow gets engaged so grandma and I will tough it out, seeing that we are going to have Phoebe with us for spell. “
They all made their way for the exits. When they got to the doors, the cars are waiting for them all motors running. Edmond Hazelton picked up his parents in a Packard. Mr. and Mrs. Arliss we’re driving a large air cooled Franklin Phaeton. It was a novelty for Phoebe to observe all these ladies and gentlemen in their posh evening dress. Phoebe, Joanne and Trevor followed in Trevor’s Hudson. It was an experience for Phoebe to be driving through Toronto all lighted up like a Christmas tree. Phoebe took it all in, people hustling to and fro and the streetcars whizzing by. They finally stopped in front of this posh restaurant, the Excellency. There were attendants to put the cars away.
Phoebe whispered to Joanne, “Joanne, I’m in here over my head. What ever you order for yourself, please order the same for me. This is not to be compared to Duncan’s snack bar.”
They were ushered to their table. There was a jazz band playing reasonably soft music in the background. Nobody seemed to pay any attention to the party as they were ushered to their place. The large chandeliers were beautiful, shedding a semi dull light. The menu was very strange to Phoebe. There were items on it I guess you would call them gourmet. There was a lot of talk and laughter going on. Anyway, Phoebe didn’t feel outclassed. They were very different. The waiter came and took all their orders. Joanne had a glass of very weak red wine. Phoebe had the same and she enjoyed it. The party had all different dishes. Phoebe had a shrimp and all the trimmings. Some had roast marshmallows. There are some that Phoebe hadn’t a clue what they were. The party was pretty well all finished. Now it was mostly gossip.
“Grandpa, how are you holding up? Do you want us to call it off so you and grandma can bet get to bed? “
“You just hold your horses Trevor. Phoebe and I are going to have a little pow wow. There was a vacant table nearby. Mr. Hazelton asked Phoebe if they could have a private chat.
Phoebe replied, “Sure that’s okay with me.”
They’ve both moved over to the vacant table.
“I was wondering Phoebe, I do not know how to approach you.”
Meantime, Edmund Hazelton leaned over to Stephen Arliss. “You know, Steven, there is a conspiracy going on over there. Look at the expression on that girl’s face.
Phoebe replied to Mr. Hazelton, “Go ahead, Mr. Hazelton. You cannot hurt my feelings”
“You know when you saw four of us at the club, Marie was wondering if it would be possible for you to do a repeat here. What stumps us is you won’t take any compensation.”
“Well, Mr. Hazleton, it is possible that I could give you both a repeat but it would have to be under different circumstances. In fact, you and I would have to join into little conspiracy.”
“Keep going, Phoebe.”
“First, I wouldn’t want you to have my name mentioned. I would like to be referred to as a visiting girl to Toronto. No address or direction east or west. Now for you and Mrs. Hazelton, how would you like to be referred to, as to seniors celebrating your 65th wedding anniversary? However, that’s your choice. We will sure have to have a good reason for our performance. Maybe there are a lot of people here that know you. As for compensation, I have been well compensated by Trevor and Joanne and the rest of you benevolent people. Now for music, the only instrument most suitable is the violin. I’m game. Anyway, we shall have to discuss it with the rest of the party. If they are cooperative, then we will have to have a talk with the manager. What is your opinion, Mr. Hazelton?”
“I’m all for it.”
Phoebe and Mr. Hazelton rejoined the group. The first question asked was, “What have you two cooked up?”
“You tell them, Phoebe.”
“No, no, I think that’s up to you Mr. Hazelton.”
“Well, I think I have talking Phoebe into a repeat of her performance earlier tonight but we have to conquer a good reason for Phoebe to sing and furthermore, Phoebe wants to be anonymous.”
Son Edmond said, “Leave it to you, dad.”
Steven and Laurie Arliss thought that it would be great if they were not imposing on Phoebe.
“I’m willing. I just want to be as an anonymous as possible.”
“Well then, what is the consensus?”
Lori Arliss said, “I think we were all for it if Phoebe is willing. I would leave the final decision to Phoebe.”
Phoebe said, “Let’s go for it. Now what is the occasion? A fictitious anniversary, birthday, or two seniors or the real persons by name?”
Most of them agreed is that the name should be mentioned.
Phoebe asked, “What will it be? I think that this should be the decision of Mr. and Mrs. Hazelton. ‘In the Long Long Ago’ or ‘Mother Macree’? Or should I immediately switch to ‘Tipperary’ or, say, Harry Lauder’s ‘I Love A Lassie’? It’s all up to you. Now before we go any further, Mr. Hazelton feels I should be compensated. I say for what? Trevor, Joanne and I are pretty well in the same age group. I have enjoyed their courtesy and company, not to mention guidance. Tell me what more could one expect? Now does anyone care to contact management?”
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